Atletico Madrid Manager Diego Simeone Responds Directly to Joao Felix Exit Talk: ‘Ask Him’
Atletico Madrid’s Manager, Diego Simeone, has chosen to defer questions about Joao Felix’s future to the player himself, amid growing speculation about the young talent’s potential departure from the club.
Throughout the previous season, it seemed that Joao Felix’s time at Atletico Madrid might be nearing an end, as his relationship with Simeone appeared strained. The Portuguese forward experienced a dip in form and found himself dropped from the starting lineup for a period of seven games. Subsequently, Felix expressed a desire for a loan move to Chelsea, further fueling rumors of an impending exit.
During an interview with Diario AS, Simeone was asked about Felix’s future, to which he emphasized the team’s primary focus. He made it clear that the club’s interests take precedence over any individual player, stating that there are no exceptions to this principle.
When questioned about Felix’s performance and why he didn’t achieve the heights expected of him, Simeone acknowledged the player’s abilities and commended his efforts. The manager expressed satisfaction with Felix’s commitment and work ethic, acknowledging that the player had given his best despite the challenges.
As for Felix’s potential success at Atletico Madrid, Simeone reiterated the player’s extraordinary talents and versatility, praising his ability to excel in various aspects of the game. However, when it came to predicting when Felix would thrive, Simeone pointedly redirected the inquiry back to the player and his representatives, implying that it was ultimately up to Felix to determine his future trajectory.
Earlier, Joao Felix had made his aspirations clear by expressing his dream of playing for Barcelona, and he revealed that they were always his preferred destination. When questioned about Felix’s preference for Barcelona, Simeone avoided personal opinions and highlighted that it was a question best addressed directly to the player and his representatives.
Despite Felix’s expressed desire to play for Barcelona, the Catalan club has been unable or unwilling to secure his services this summer. Consequently, Felix’s future destination remains uncertain. While he has shown flashes of immense talent, his mixed performances during his time at Chelsea may give top clubs pause before committing to sign him.
As the transfer window progresses, football enthusiasts are eager to learn where Joao Felix will ultimately end up. His potential departure from Atletico Madrid marks a significant turning point for the player and the club, and fans will be watching closely to see how this story unfolds.